You Don't Have to Live with Painful Fibroids

Uterine fibroids may not be cancerous, but for the 35 million-plus women dealing with the pain and unpleasant symptoms, fibroids are anything but benign. From lower back pain to heavy bleeding to difficulty urinating, uterine fibroids can negatively impact your quality of life.   

The good news is that you don’t have to live with painful fibroids any longer! At Alate Health, board-certified interventional radiologist Dr. Andrew Doe offers safe and effective uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) to women in the Houston, Texas, area.  

If you’re ready to say goodbye to painful uterine fibroids, take a moment to learn more about UFE!

What is uterine fibroid embolization (UFE)?

Uterine fibroid embolization is a procedure that cuts off the supply of blood that flows to uterine fibroids. Your provider at Alate Health inserts a small catheter into the vessels that feed the fibroid. Once it’s in place, tiny particles are placed to block blood flow. 

Without a steady supply of blood, the fibroids shrink, helping reduce uterine pain and other problematic symptoms, including:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Bleeding between periods
• Uterine bleeding with clots
• Lower back pain
• Increased menstrual cramping
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Pressure or fullness in the lower abdomen
• Swelling in the abdomen
• Periods that last longer than a week
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Trouble emptying your bladder fully
• Constipation

The best part? UFE reduces your uterine fibroid symptoms without the need for surgery! Our expert interventional radiologists use imaging technology to specifically target the blood vessels that feed your fibroids.  

During UFE, only a tiny incision to place the catheter is required. Your UFE appointment only takes about 90 minutes or less and is usually performed as an outpatient procedure at our state-of-the-art facility.  

Is UFE safe and effective?

Absolutely! UFE is considered a safe and effective treatment for uterine fibroids for women who do not want to become pregnant. You can rest easy knowing the team at Alate Health performs more UFEs than any other area physicians. We also offer comprehensive post-procedure care, ensuring you have the best outcome possible.

While UFE is a simple procedure, the benefits are monumental and include:

• Significant decrease in symptoms
• Treating all fibroids in one procedure
• Ability to keep your uterus
• FDA-approved, non-surgical solution
• Faster recovery (resume activities in one week)

Complications are rare when the procedure is performed by an experienced interventional radiologist, like Dr. Doe, but when they do occur, include bleeding, infection, and early menopause for women over 40. 

At Alate Health, over 90% of our patients report a significant reduction in their problematic symptoms, and research studies support this, with over 85% of women reporting a reduction in bleeding and pain.  

Am I a candidate for UFE?

To learn if you’re a candidate for UFE, it’s crucial to schedule a consultation with Dr. Doe at Alate Health. While many women are candidates for this effective treatment for uterine fibroids, it’s not right for everyone. 

Your Alate Health providers review your symptoms, discuss your medical history, and order an imaging study to diagnose the number and size of your fibroids. Women with especially large fibroids may not be candidates. 

The best UFE candidates are women who:

• Meet UFE criteria
• Hope to avoid surgery
• Want an alternative to hysterectomy
• Aren’t planning to have children

You don’t have to live with troublesome uterine fibroids any longer! The expert team at Alate Health in Houston is here to help. Book a UFE consultation by calling our scheduling line at 713-322-7537 today!